Denver’s Matt Prater Sets New NFL Record with 64-Yard Field Goal (GIFs)

Yesterday, the Broncos’ Matt Prater kicked a field goal with time expiring in the first half that brought his team to within one point of the Tennessee Titans. Then his entire team rushed the field and celebrated—which seemed pretty weird to anyone who had just tuned in, or who was watching a halftime report on mute like I was.

However, that wasn’t just any field goal. It was a 64-yard field goal. And as you may or may not know, Prater was the first person in the history of the NFL to kick one that long. Four players had kicked 63-yarders before—Tom Dempsey in 1970, Jason Elam in 1998, Sebastien Janikowski in 2011, and David Akers in 2012. But no one had ever made a 64-yarder until Prater did it yesterday.

So yeah, that was reason for celebration. And it definitely lit a fire under the Broncos, who came out after halftime and turned a 21-20 deficit into a 51-28 blowout.

Of course, some might point to the fact that three of the five kicks of 63+ yards have been made in Denver, with it’s high altitude and thinner air, and say Prater’s record should have an asterisk. However, while the ball may sail a little easier at Mile High Stadium, you also have to take into account the fact that it was just 14º F in Denver yesterday, which I’d say that evens things out a bit. So give Prater the respect he deserves—that was one hell of a kick.